7/6/21 The Cellar Door's 'BACKFLIP' HotSheet
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'BACKFLIP' HOTSHEET
New Rosé arrivals, Saint-Emilion, Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris, Library Italian WineSpecial & more
2019 SEVEN OF HEARTS PINOT GRIS
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'WILLAMETTE VALLEY'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Byron Dooley strikes again with a way above the norm Pinot Gris that is from the Tuckwilla Vineyard in the Dundee Hills from vines planted in 1992. This wine takes on a quasi-Alsace inspiration and coming from a cool year, not only retains its palate presence but also has brilliant vibrancy.
A sign of true white wine greatness is a level of ripeness and texture that comes from perfectly ripened fruit of old vines. There is a bit of perfumed pear, white flower and fresh citrus in the mid-palate but this is a lean athlete whose depth comes from the lush flavors of the site upon which is lives. The velvety finish dances on and on and on. A fantastic food match with shellfish or simply grilled white fish drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. Keep it simple and let the wine shine, this is one complex beauty.
A sign of true white wine greatness is a level of ripeness and texture that comes from perfectly ripened fruit of old vines. There is a bit of perfumed pear, white flower and fresh citrus in the mid-palate but this is a lean athlete whose depth comes from the lush flavors of the site upon which is lives. The velvety finish dances on and on and on. A fantastic food match with shellfish or simply grilled white fish drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. Keep it simple and let the wine shine, this is one complex beauty.
2016 CHATEAU GRANDCHAMP
MONTAGNE ST-EMILION
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
MONTAGNE ST-EMILION
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Montagne St-Émilion is a satellite appellation of St-Émilion located just to the north and bordering on Pomerol. Owned by Gonzague Maurice and the only Chateau in the hamlet of Parsac on the right bank of the Dordogne River, this has been a hell of a discovery. Always sustainably farmed, Gonzague has taken it a step further and has been moving towards organic since 2010.
Stacked and packed this wine shows off class and grace, yet has a trucker's mouth with a bit of attitude and sass to it. Teeming with earth, limestone, red cherry, some violet and kisses of olive and tobacco on the nose, it follows through to a texture that is mouth coating and having all of the substance of the great 2016 vintage. Excellent length and a wine that will outclass a number of higher-priced neighbors to the south.
Stacked and packed this wine shows off class and grace, yet has a trucker's mouth with a bit of attitude and sass to it. Teeming with earth, limestone, red cherry, some violet and kisses of olive and tobacco on the nose, it follows through to a texture that is mouth coating and having all of the substance of the great 2016 vintage. Excellent length and a wine that will outclass a number of higher-priced neighbors to the south.
2018 BENANTI ETNA ROSSO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Referred to as a Mediterranean-Sicilian-Burgundy, the Etna region, which runs through the valleys and hills from the sea to Mt. Etna, has seen many outsiders from Tuscany and other regions of Italy purchasing land here due to the burgeoning reputation and early signs of impeccable quality.
One producer who isn't an outsider is Benanti. Giuseppe Benanti's grandfather cultivated vines on Mt. Etna in the late 1800s and in 1988 Giuseppe revived the family's passion in creating this fine estate. From the north side of Etna (yes, like the East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop battles there is debate to which side of the mountain is better), this sterling red is a blend from two of Etna's native grapes, 80-85% Nerello Mascalese and 15-20% Nerello Cappuccio. Vintage 2018 for this wine is an absurd value! Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, tangy earth and sage. Finely textured, dry with plenty of generous, ripe fruit flowing into a lingering and balanced finish. We highly recommend this hearty red with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.
One producer who isn't an outsider is Benanti. Giuseppe Benanti's grandfather cultivated vines on Mt. Etna in the late 1800s and in 1988 Giuseppe revived the family's passion in creating this fine estate. From the north side of Etna (yes, like the East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop battles there is debate to which side of the mountain is better), this sterling red is a blend from two of Etna's native grapes, 80-85% Nerello Mascalese and 15-20% Nerello Cappuccio. Vintage 2018 for this wine is an absurd value! Ruby red in color with a persistent bouquet of mulberries, black cherries, mint, tangy earth and sage. Finely textured, dry with plenty of generous, ripe fruit flowing into a lingering and balanced finish. We highly recommend this hearty red with grilled and roasted red meats or hard sheep's milk cheeses.
2020 BAUDRY CHINON ROSÉ
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
When it comes to Chinon, Bernard and Mathieu Baudry are the current titleholders. We make no bones about our affinity for these red Loire Valley wines that are made with 100% Cabernet Franc, including this toothsome dry, pink wine.
Chinon's limestone soils scream out on the 2020, which teems with prominent scents of raspberry and hawthorn along with underlying minerality and fine herbs. Palate-coating yet very poised texture, not only is this a pleasurable Rosé, it also takes on a serious tone that will allow it to pair with a variety of cuisines. In the mouth, there is lots of movement, depth and complexity with a very expressive, illuminating finish that pleasantly lasts for minutes after the wine is swallowed. If you are a fan of the finest rosé wines, then this one will be a must-have. Try with grilled tuna or swordfish.
Chinon's limestone soils scream out on the 2020, which teems with prominent scents of raspberry and hawthorn along with underlying minerality and fine herbs. Palate-coating yet very poised texture, not only is this a pleasurable Rosé, it also takes on a serious tone that will allow it to pair with a variety of cuisines. In the mouth, there is lots of movement, depth and complexity with a very expressive, illuminating finish that pleasantly lasts for minutes after the wine is swallowed. If you are a fan of the finest rosé wines, then this one will be a must-have. Try with grilled tuna or swordfish.
2020 LI VELI 'PRIMEROSE'
SALENTO ROSÉ
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
SALENTO ROSÉ
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE
Rosé lovers as well as those who love values are going to go ass over tea kettle for this new arrival! The Negroamaro grape and the Puglia region produce some of the finest dry pink wines on the sunny peninsula and are refreshing steals. Remember, along with Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo and Chiaretto around Lake Garda, this is one of the three traditional Rosé areas of Italy.
Agile, zesty and zingy with plenty of melon, quince, red raspberry and freshly cut herbs seemingly fly from the glass. The flavors are as exciting as the aromas, an abundance of mouthwatering, gushing flavors engage the entire palate and leave one wanting more. Drink with friends with a plate of veggies and cheeses or a shrimp salad.
Agile, zesty and zingy with plenty of melon, quince, red raspberry and freshly cut herbs seemingly fly from the glass. The flavors are as exciting as the aromas, an abundance of mouthwatering, gushing flavors engage the entire palate and leave one wanting more. Drink with friends with a plate of veggies and cheeses or a shrimp salad.
2017 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
'RIBBON RIDGE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'RIBBON RIDGE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Goodfellow owner/winemaker Marcus Goodfellow always strives to make stylish Pinot Noirs that maintain detail and nuance. 2017 is no exception and having been working with his wines since their inception in vintage 2002, I thoroughly believe this excellent vintage is some of his finest work.
The 2017 Ribbon Ridge is one of the great values in Oregon Pinot Noir. From declassified fruit from the Whistling Ridge vineyard, this 2017 totally follows the patterns of the vintage's generosity and totally delivers the goods. Sensuous, refined aromas of blackberry, strawberry, soft, slightly elusive herbs, spices, and an underlay of earth and red-hot candy pepper tones build and build as the wine unfolds in the glass. Texturally, it is silky and seductive with clarity and exquisite finesse along with ultra-fine depth and tannins. All of the spices that are on the nose are present on the drawn-out finish. This wine can be accessed now, however, like many 2017s, it has backbone and well-formed structure to allow it to age through 2028.
The 2017 Ribbon Ridge is one of the great values in Oregon Pinot Noir. From declassified fruit from the Whistling Ridge vineyard, this 2017 totally follows the patterns of the vintage's generosity and totally delivers the goods. Sensuous, refined aromas of blackberry, strawberry, soft, slightly elusive herbs, spices, and an underlay of earth and red-hot candy pepper tones build and build as the wine unfolds in the glass. Texturally, it is silky and seductive with clarity and exquisite finesse along with ultra-fine depth and tannins. All of the spices that are on the nose are present on the drawn-out finish. This wine can be accessed now, however, like many 2017s, it has backbone and well-formed structure to allow it to age through 2028.
2019 GROUND EFFECT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON SANTA YNEZ
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON SANTA YNEZ
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE
Ground Effect Wine Company is the project of Southern California wine vet John Kochis and harkens back to the old days of California Cabernets that are in fine balance versus those that are sweet and supercharged.
From Santa Ynez Valley and predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Cabernet Franc, this offering brings me back to my days of learning about wine. Black cherry scents surrounded by mint, sage and underlying saltiness and red brick aspects build nicely from the glass. The west end Santa Ynez aspects show on the palate that is balanced with California warmth, finely positioned acidity and spice throughout. Rather lengthy, this wine will pair nicely with just about any comfort food that you want to prepare.
From Santa Ynez Valley and predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Cabernet Franc, this offering brings me back to my days of learning about wine. Black cherry scents surrounded by mint, sage and underlying saltiness and red brick aspects build nicely from the glass. The west end Santa Ynez aspects show on the palate that is balanced with California warmth, finely positioned acidity and spice throughout. Rather lengthy, this wine will pair nicely with just about any comfort food that you want to prepare.
2008 ANTONELLI SAGRANTINO DI
MONTEFALCO
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $34.99 BTL./$209.94 - 6 PK
MONTEFALCO
[reg. $49.99]
SPECIAL - $34.99 BTL./$209.94 - 6 PK
One of Umbria’s top producers and striving to make wines that are both full of character and flavor while retaining freshness and balance, Fillipo Antonelli attains all of this with plenty of Umbrian terroir and concentration and does not require one to invest in a pair of tweezers to remove the oak splinters from the tongue.
Rarely seen outside of this area, the Sagrantino grape puts forth large-scaled wines that can age for a long time. North African spices all over the place with this library selection. Almost rose petal in aromas, still superb red and black plum aspects that reveals youth even at age 13. Hickory and licorice with strawberry moving in. Umbrian body with virtual Barbaresco skin. Vinous, well honed, very lengthy and drawn out, at age 13, this a pop and pour version that carries to the table very well indeed. Drink over the next 5 years.
Rarely seen outside of this area, the Sagrantino grape puts forth large-scaled wines that can age for a long time. North African spices all over the place with this library selection. Almost rose petal in aromas, still superb red and black plum aspects that reveals youth even at age 13. Hickory and licorice with strawberry moving in. Umbrian body with virtual Barbaresco skin. Vinous, well honed, very lengthy and drawn out, at age 13, this a pop and pour version that carries to the table very well indeed. Drink over the next 5 years.
2018 BOUDIGNON ANJOU BLANC
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE
Having trained in Burgundy at Domaine Charlopin in Gevrey Chambertin then being hired as winemaker at famed Chateau Soucherie in Savennieres, Thibaud Boudignon is one of France’s most exciting addresses. I had read about these wines but only recently have had the opportunity to experience them. They truly are exceptional from the Loire Rose through to the Anjou Blancs all the way to the $100 retail Savennieres wines. It is wines like these that make us remember why we love the wine business. Just when you think you’ve had the best a region has to offer, a new discovery comes along to rock your world. Boudignon is such a discovery, with wines that speak so clearly of their place of origin. In my humble opinion, there are no greater dry Chenin Blanc wines being made in the world today. Period.
This Anjou Blanc will drop Savennieres wines at this price - it is that good! Made from two small plots on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou and these wines have become some of the most sought-after in the region; the rush to snap up allocations is feverish worldwide. This Chenin comes from 38-year-old vines and aged in 30% large oak Stockinger barrels from Austria so not to impart any oakiness to the wine. The startling intensity and energy of Thibaud's style as well as the gray schist soils on display. Heavenly fragrances of nectarine, chamomile, granite and honeysuckle, which arrives after sitting a few minutes in the glass. Really shows the depth and complexity of Thibaud’s philosophy. Combines intensity of precision and cut with stellar, high-pitched fruit; youthful and compact right now, but the depth of low yields and old vines are felt. The finish is sterling, crystalline and minerally, very long! Pretty tempting now with its impressive material. Go and grill some salmon with a kiss of ginger, this will bring out the essence of both. Drink it through 2030+.
This Anjou Blanc will drop Savennieres wines at this price - it is that good! Made from two small plots on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou and these wines have become some of the most sought-after in the region; the rush to snap up allocations is feverish worldwide. This Chenin comes from 38-year-old vines and aged in 30% large oak Stockinger barrels from Austria so not to impart any oakiness to the wine. The startling intensity and energy of Thibaud's style as well as the gray schist soils on display. Heavenly fragrances of nectarine, chamomile, granite and honeysuckle, which arrives after sitting a few minutes in the glass. Really shows the depth and complexity of Thibaud’s philosophy. Combines intensity of precision and cut with stellar, high-pitched fruit; youthful and compact right now, but the depth of low yields and old vines are felt. The finish is sterling, crystalline and minerally, very long! Pretty tempting now with its impressive material. Go and grill some salmon with a kiss of ginger, this will bring out the essence of both. Drink it through 2030+.
